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#1 Ronaldo's historic hattrick blows Kashima Antlers away
Cristiano Ronaldo burnished his big-game player status big time with that record-making hat-trick against Japan's Kashima Antlers last year. In the meantime, he also registered another record to his already bulging record-book, by becoming the first player to hit a hattrick in the finals of a Club World Cup.
Real Madrid's early opener from Karim Benzema was completely wiped out by a stunning brace from Gaku Shibasaki, scored across either half. The Spaniards were now the ones trailing. But cometh the hour, cometh Cristiano.
The Blancos No.7 stepped up with a penalty just 8 minutes later, forcing the game into extra-time. A double in the first one turned the tables around once again as Madrid fought back from 2-1 down to lead 4-2, and effectively put the tie to bed. Whereas Ronaldo, having only lifted his fourth Ballon d'Or then, just proved why he deserved it.
The Portuguese ace became the proud holder of another esteemed record in his illustrious career, belting out one of his best performances in the white of Madrid. And also one of the best in a final of the FIFA Club World Cup.
